Standard Operating Procedure PERMANENT MARKING OF REPTILES BY SCALE MARKING Prepared by: Species and Communities Branch, Science and Conservation, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Prepared for: Animal Ethics Committee Version 1.0 October 2017 SOP: Permanent Marking of Reptiles by Scale Marking Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Phone: (08) 9219 9000 www.dbca.wa.gov.au © Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions on behalf of the State of Western Australia 2017 This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material with suitable acknowledgement. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. This standard operating procedure was prepared by the Species and Communities Branch, Science and Conservation Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Questions regarding the use of this material should be directed to: Principal Zoologist Species and Communities Branch Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Phone: (08) 9219 9511 Email: [email protected] The recommended reference for this publication is: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (2017). Standard Operating Procedure: Permanent Marking of Reptiles by Scale Marking. Perth, WA: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Disclaimer The State of Western Australia and its employees do not guarantee that this publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions ii SOP: Permanent Marking of Reptiles by Scale Marking Revision history log Version Date Details Author/Reviewer Approval Myrto Robert and 1.0 2013 Compiled draft document. Rebecca Kay 1.0 10/06/2016 Final draft Mia Podesta Georgie Anderson 1.0 21/07/2017 Minor revisions August 2017 and Manda Page Approvals Version 1.0 Approved by: Date: 17/08/2017 Dr Manda Page Principal Zoologist, Species and Communities Branch, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions This document has been reviewed and endorsed by the Department’s Animal Ethics Committee Acknowledgments This standard operating procedure was compiled by Myrto Robert and Rebecca Kay based on information provided by Peter Mawson, Jacqueline Styants, David Pearson, Winston Kay and Gerald Kuchling. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions iii SOP: Permanent Marking of Reptiles by Scale Marking Contents 1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 5 2 Scope .......................................................................................................................................... 5 3 Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 6 4 Approved Methods .................................................................................................................... 6 4.1 Scale clipping .................................................................................................................... 6 4.2 Scute cutting ..................................................................................................................... 7 4.3 Shell notching ................................................................................................................... 7 5 Procedure Outline ...................................................................................................................... 7 5.1 Cleaning and sterilising .................................................................................................... 7 5.2 Animal handling................................................................................................................ 8 5.3 Scale clipping (snakes and lizards) ................................................................................... 8 5.4 Scute cutting (crocodiles) ............................................................................................... 10 5.5 Shell notching (turtles and tortoises) ............................................................................. 12 5.6 Labelling and recording data .......................................................................................... 13 6 Level of Impact ......................................................................................................................... 14 7 Ethical Considerations .............................................................................................................. 14 7.1 Animal Handling ............................................................................................................. 14 7.2 Pain and infection........................................................................................................... 15 7.3 Bleeding .......................................................................................................................... 15 7.4 Injury and unexpected deaths ....................................................................................... 15 8 Competencies and Approvals................................................................................................... 15 9 Occupational Health and Safety ............................................................................................... 16 9.1 Animal bites and scratches ............................................................................................ 16 9.2 Zoonoses ........................................................................................................................ 17 9.3 Allergies .......................................................................................................................... 17 9.4 Chemicals ....................................................................................................................... 17 9.5 Fire risk ........................................................................................................................... 17 9.6 Sharp equipment ............................................................................................................ 17 10 Further Reading ........................................................................................................................ 17 11 References ................................................................................................................................ 18 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions iv SOP: Permanent Marking of Reptiles by Scale Marking 1 Purpose Scale marking is a widely used method for long term individual identification of reptiles (such as snakes, crocodiles, and turtles). The advantage of scale marking is that it is lasting, fast and inexpensive. Tissue from notches may be used to genetically identify the animal and there is no extra weight or equipment, such as flipper tags, that potentially hinder the animal. Scale marking requires a degree of practice, confident animal handling skills, good eyesight and a steady hand. In deciding on appropriate reptile marking methods, consider the purpose and length of the study, data required and the biology of the animal. Temporary marking methods are also available utilising paints, dyes, tapes and threads (see Section 10). Where sufficient to achieve the desired purpose, temporary marking methods should be utilised over permanent methods. This standard operating procedure (SOP) provides advice on permanently marking snakes, crocodiles and turtles using scale clipping, scute cutting and shell notching only. Microchipping may also be an option but this method is not covered in this SOP. 2 Scope This SOP has been written specifically for scientific and education purposes, and endorsed by the Department’s Animal Ethics Committee. However, this SOP may also be appropriate for other situations. This SOP applies to all fauna survey and monitoring activities involving scale marking (scale clipping, scute cutting and shell notching) as a permanent marking method for reptiles, undertaken across the State by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (hereafter Department) personnel. It may also be used to guide fauna monitoring activities undertaken by Natural Resource Management groups, consultants, researchers and any other individuals or organisations with a need to take tissue samples. All Department personnel involved in scale marking of reptiles should be familiar with the content of this document. Projects involving wildlife may require a licence under the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and/or the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Personnel should consult the Department’s Wildlife Licensing Section and Animal Ethics Committee Executive Officer for further guidance. In Western Australia any person using animals for scientific purposes must also be covered by a licence issued under the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2002, which is administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This SOP complements the Australian code of practice for the care and use